For expert availability and to schedule an interview, please contact Alicia Rohan:arohan@uab.edu, 205-975-7515

Officials warn of the potential impact of the Zika virus on the U.S. and surrounding countries throughout the summer. UAB experts suggest the virus will have only a few, isolated outbreaks within the country, but it is good to stay informed. Currently, the CDC has issued a Level 2 travel alert (Practice Enhanced Precautions) for designated areas. Anyone who is pregnant or is considering becoming pregnant and plans to travel to an area impacted by the Zika virus should discuss the situation with their health care provider to determine the appropriate course of action. A breakdown on the history of Zika virus, public health warnings and medical concerns, as well as updates on research and vaccinations, is available below.

Areas of expertise:

Biggio, professor of obstetrics and gynecology and clinical geneticist, serves as the director of the UAB Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine. He has worked on a national level with the Society for Maternal Fetal Medicine and on a state level with the development of guidance for physicians with how to advise and evaluate pregnant and reproductive age women with regard to Zika risks and exposure.

Areas of expertise:

Kimberlin, professor in the UAB Division of Pediatrics Infectious Diseases has significant expertise in the study of antiviral treatments for congenital viral infections with central nervous system involvement, including neonatal herpes simplex virus infections and congenital cytomegalovirus disease. He also is the editor of the American Academy of Pediatrics’ Red Book, which details the Academy’s policies on the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of pediatric infectious diseases. In each of these capacities, Kimberlin is involved at the national level in the preparations for Zika in the United States.

The UAB News Studio is available for live or taped HD interviews with UAB experts worldwide through LTN Global Networks. There is no cost to use the studio when using UAB experts. The studio is also equipped with an ISDN line for digital radio interviews. Learn more.

UAB Graduation Spring 2016

More than 1,800 students graduated from UAB in the spring 2016 commencement and doctoral hooding ceremonies on April 30.

One intriguing storyline was the Franks family saga. Kevin Franks, who graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering, became the sixth Franks brother to become a Blazer grad over the past two decades. (Three of the Franks brothers are also married to UAB graduates.)

Seen a great image, video or story that we need to share? Let us know.

]]>mwindsor@uab.edu (Matt Windsor)ROOTWed, 27 Apr 2016 15:00:08 -0500Information for News Mediahttp://www.uab.edu/news/9-resources/12-information-for-news-media-2
http://www.uab.edu/news/9-resources/12-information-for-news-media-2The UAB Office of University Relations oversees UAB’s public relations functions, including integrated internal and external communications and media relations. A renowned public doctoral research university and academic medical center with a growing campus, vibrant student life, expansive impact in the community and a $5 billion annual economic impact in the state, UAB is committed to the creation and dissemination of knowledge that will change the world. University Relations recognizes the importance of the news media to an informed public and works with reporters to communicate significant developments, as well as information about our people, operations and outcomes. We regularly communicate about how our students, faculty, staff, alumni and supporters are advancing all areas of our mission: education, health care, research, community service and economic development. In addition, Athletic Communications works with news media to communicate information specific to UAB Athletics.

The following policies and guidelines are intended to support the important work happening throughout the UAB community and facilitate constructive interactions with the news media:

• Interview requests, questions other inquiries of University Relations: 205-934-3884

After hours: Call 205-934-2599 and ask for the media specialist on call

Media on University Property

Members of the media often visit UAB to cover news and interview UAB students, faculty and staff. Reporters wishing to coordinate an interview or visit campus should call University Relations at 205-934-3884 for assistance (e.g., identifying and reaching the appropriate interview source or on-campus media escort) and necessary approvals.

Visitors to campus — including news media — should be aware that university property is not public space. UAB takes seriously its responsibility to maintain an environment in which important business can be conducted across all areas of the institution’s multifaceted mission — education, research, health care, community service and economic development.

University Relations must be notified before a member of the media enters UAB property. This includes any indoor and outdoor UAB property. University Police will stop and detain media without an approved escort until University Relations can be contacted to approve the activity or provide an escort. As visitors to campus, members of the news media are expected to abide by all parking and traffic ordinances. Requests for special parking accommodations can be made to University Relations, 205-934-3884.

UAB Buildings/Indoors/Parking Structures:Media must be escorted at all times in any UAB building by UAB University Relations staff or a University Relations-approved UAB employee. This includes parking structures.

UAB Property/Outdoors: Media must receive University Relations approval to access outdoor common areas like the Campus Green. Media has the legal right to be on City of Birmingham public sidewalks without approval but must contact University Relations to request permission and/or an escort to access on-campus outdoor areas including the Campus Green, UAB parking lots and common areas (e.g., parks and courtyards).

Emergencies and Special Circumstances: Though University Relations traditionally approves advance requests for still and video photography, in the event of an emergency, or to limit disruptions to normal university operations, news media may be restricted to certain areas of campus for filming or live broadcasting.

Photography and Video on Campus: Photos and video of campus are often provided to news media and can be accessed through University Relations (205-934-3884). Media wanting to shoot original content should contact University Relations for approval and/or an on-campus escort. Still or video images of campus may not be used for commercial or promotional purposes outside of scheduled news coverage without approval from University Relations.

UAB Student Media

Student Media may be offered special access to campus events or facilities in recognition of its unique role at UAB.

Expectations of the News Media

We kindly ask members of the news media to conduct themselves in an ethical and professional manner when contacting or interacting with members of the UAB community and when visiting campus. Please respect the comfort and privacy of our students, faculty, staff, patients and visitors. UAB reserves the right, in the best interest of the UAB community, to deny media members who do not adhere to these standards access to the campus, media events and UAB spokespeople.

UAB News Releases

Members of the media who do not receive UAB news releases but would like to be added to our distribution list(s) should email UAB Director of Public Relations Jim Bakken at jimb@uab.edu. UAB news stories can be accessed online at www.uab.edu/news.

]]>mellisa@uab.edu (Mellisa Eberle)ROOTFri, 04 Dec 2015 20:25:37 -0600Information for students, faculty, staff, and vendors/contractorshttp://www.uab.edu/news/9-resources/11-information-for-students-faculty-staff-and-vendors-contractors
http://www.uab.edu/news/9-resources/11-information-for-students-faculty-staff-and-vendors-contractorsUAB Faculty and Staff Contact With the Media
University Relations is UAB’s designated contact point for the news media and is the source of official information about the university — including the central/traditional campus and the Health System. The exception is the UAB Athletic Department communications; Athletic Communications coordinates with the media for Athletic Department-specific stories. With the exception of athletic-specific communications, University Relations is responsible for all proactive media outreach, and University Relations should be made aware of all incoming media inquiries and requests.

Faculty and staff members who wish to initiate contact with the news media, or who receive news media inquiries, should contact University Relations and take advantage of its expertise and resources.

Incoming Media Requests: In order to accommodate a timely response to media inquiries/interview requests of UAB faculty, staff or students, University Relations should be notified immediately of the outreach. Some faculty, staff and students prefer to first notify the communications director in their school, department or service line. That is an approved practice; communications directors alert and coordinate with University Relations.

During business hours, call University Relations at 205-934-3884. After business hours, call UAB Paging at 205-934-2599 and ask for the media specialist on call.

UAB regularly receives and responds to media inquiries directed to University Relations. We ask that students, faculty and staff contacted by University Relations staff respond as quickly as they are able with their availability or information needed to respond in a timely manner.

Proactive Media Outreach: University Relations staff responsible for media outreach work to identify and cultivate UAB news stories across campus and beyond, and use many methods (e.g., news releases, videos, social media, news conferences and direct pitches) to encourage external media coverage. If you have a story you would like to see pitched, request publicity using the online form found at www.uab.edu/reporter/request-publicity.

Academic Freedom, Faculty and University Spokespeople

When public comment on behalf of the university is requested, an appropriate spokesperson will be identified by University Relations and senior leadership. Faculty enjoy academic freedom and are encouraged to discuss topics related to their areas of academic expertise, but no one is permitted to speak on behalf of the institution or interpret UAB policy unless designated as a spokesperson.

Faculty and staff are asked to remember that, in responding to the media, they can be seen as representing and speaking for the university. Personal opinions should be clearly and carefully identified as such. Issues that should not be discussed with reporters by faculty and staff include: legal issues, personnel issues, questions that involve university integrity (e.g., ethics or issues that may result in harm to others), private student or patient information protected by federal law, or a campus crisis or emergency. Please consult with University Relations regarding all inquiries that meet these criteria.

Federal Privacy Laws

UAB is obligated by federal laws to protect the privacy of our students and UAB Medicine patients. Faculty and staff should be familiar with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Beyond the law, we ask that faculty and staff be respectful of the privacy of others in the UAB community. These expectations extend to UAB partners, including vendors and contractors, research or community partners, and those organizations that work with UAB in emergency management/response.

Vendors, Contractors and Partners

Organizations that do business with or partner with UAB should route any multi-media communications or media materials, and vet planned media outreach/communications plans that involve or mention UAB to University Relations for approval prior to use or contacting the media. UAB faculty and staff should not route a contract for signature by an authorized UAB signatory that requires public communication or publicity without University Relations approval.

Vendors, contractors and partners wishing to conduct a photo or video shoot on campus must obtain University Relations approval. It is recommended for vendors to work through their project point-of-contact (e.g., a school, department or service line communications director) to contact University Relations and obtain necessary approvals. Athletic Communications has the authority to approve and oversee shoots specific to athletics and works with University Relations when those shoots occur on campus outside of UAB Athletics venues (e.g., inside academic buildings).

News Conferences

University Relations is the only on-campus entity granted the authority to call and hold news conferences on behalf of the university. Such news conferences typically are held only for major university announcements. News conferences are convened as a way to efficiently share important news with the media. Athletics Communications may convene news conferences on matters related to intercollegiate athletics. Anyone (including UAB faculty, staff, students, or outside individuals or entities) who would like to request permission or discuss the protocol for calling a news conference should inquire with University Relations staff.

Submitting a News Tip or Requesting Publicity/Assistance

University Relations works regularly with student, faculty and staff to publicize the work and accomplishments of the UAB community. If you would like to submit a news tip or request publicity assistance (including external communications like media outreach and social media, and internal communication distributions such as the eReporter faculty/staff newsletter and Greenmail, our student newsletter), please fill out the form found at www.uab.edu/reporter/request-publicitywith all pertinent details.

Crisis/Emergency Communications

In the event of a crisis or emergency on campus, it is essential that UAB disseminate timely, accurate information and ensure that inquiries are routed to the appropriate sources. University Relations is responsible for the development and dissemination of all university communications in the event of a campus emergency. This includes internal communications with students, faculty and staff, as well as communications with the media. The priority will be on maintaining timely and open communications, and providing complete and accurate information that has been confirmed. To access University Relations in an emergency, page the media specialist on call.

]]>mellisa@uab.edu (Mellisa Eberle)ROOTFri, 04 Dec 2015 20:24:36 -0600Working with Ushttp://www.uab.edu/news/about-uab-news-2/working-with-us
http://www.uab.edu/news/about-uab-news-2/working-with-usUAB’s Office of Public Relations works with the news media to provide information and facilitate interview requests with our students, faculty and staff – including those with the UAB Health System – as well as provide digital assets including photography and video.

The UAB Office of University Relations oversees UAB’s public relations functions, including integrated internal and external communications and media relations. A renowned public doctoral research university and academic medical center with a growing campus, vibrant student life, expansive impact in the community and a $5 billion annual economic impact in the state, UAB is committed to the creation and dissemination of knowledge that will change the world.

University Relations recognizes the importance of the news media to an informed public and works with reporters to communicate significant developments, as well as information about our people, operations and outcomes. We regularly communicate about how our students, faculty, staff, alumni and supporters are advancing all areas of our mission: education, health care, research, community service and economic development. In addition, Athletic Communications works with news media to communicate information specific to UAB Athletics.

The following policies and guidelines are intended to support the important work happening throughout the UAB community and facilitate constructive interactions with the news media: